Lagatar24 Desk
Patna, Jan 5: The Nitish Kumar government in Bihar faces a health crisis after five ministers have been tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Both Deputy Chief Ministers Renu Devi and Tarkishore Prasad have been tested positive for COVID-19 along with Excise Minister Sunil Kumar, Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Education Minister Ashok Choudhary
The news came a day after Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, the national head of the Janata Dal (United), tested positive for coronavirus.
The state recorded 893 new Covid-19 cases yesterday, with 565 of them coming from Patna, the state capital. The number of active Covid-19 cases in the state has risen to 2,220, according to the health department, with 1,250 in Patna.
Earlier on Tuesday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the imposition of a night curfew and other restrictions in the state. These fresh curbs will take effect starting Thursday.
“The night curfew will be implemented from 10 pm to 5 am and the latest restrictions in the state will be in effect till January 21,” the Bihar home department said.
Schools up to Class VIII have been ordered shut online teaching can continue. Further, offices – government as well as private – can now operate with only up to 50 per cent attendance.
Gyms, cinema halls, swimming pools and stadiums have been asked to close down and restaurants have been ordered to operate with 50 per cent occupancy only.